River City Gators

Gators Announce New Dance Team Director

2010-08-09T07:14:52Z

The River City Gators announced the signing of a contract with the Midtown Girls cheer and promotional service group. Midtown Girls Founder and Director Erlynn Rose Holyfield was named Director of the Gator Girls dance squad.

Due to confidentiality provisions, terms of the deal were not immediately available. However, River City Gators Co-Owner Jason Kang said, "We welcome Erlynn and her squad to the River City Gators family. We're excited about the new team and the upcoming season. There are a lot of great improvements in the works. We think the community will love the new dance team and all of the things we'll be announcing over the next few months."

Kang continued, "This is an exciting time for Sacramento and for sports throughout the region. The Gators have good history, a strong brand, and a great product. We're committed to winning championships. The new Gator Girls are an important part of that product and of the organization. We have a lot of work to do, but I know I speak for all of the owners when I say that we're pleased with what has been accomplished so far this offseason."

Reached for comment, Holyfield said, "I'm really excited to be a part of a great organization while participating in the sport I'm so passionate about. Together with all of the owners, we're really on the same page with everything we're looking to create. There'a a lot of excitement about the variety of men and women coming out, and I think the community will really like what we have to contribute to the Gators organization."

Members of the Midtown Girls will appear and perform under contract for the River City Gators at promotional outreach events during the remainder of 2010, and during the 2011 season. The contract is a renewable two year deal that runs through 2012.

Images of the full squad, currently approaching fifty members, were unavailable at press time. The included image, taken at last week's California Automobile Museum Car Cruise and Show, where the Midtown Girls were providing promotional support services to the Midtown Business Association, features Holyfield (second from the left) with select members of her team.

The Midtown Girls can be found on facebook, and they can be reached by email at themidtowngirls@gmail.com. Information about the River City Gators is available through the team's website.

Note: Author has been affiliated with the RIver City Gators organization in the past.

AFL Free Agent Rejoins River City Gators

2010-06-04T01:27:58Z

West Sacramento, CA - The River City Gators announced the signing and activation of Sacramento native and Arena Football League Free Agent defensive back, Mervin Brookins today. Brookins played for the AFL’s Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz in 2010, the AFL's Stockton Lightning and the River City Gators in 2009.

Prior to his professional career, Brookins attended Kansas-based Bethel College and Sacramento City College. His agent, Chris Johnson said, “Our focus is to get him reaccelerated to outdoor football. We want to get him doing what he does best: shutting down receivers, intercepting passes, and returning kicks. We need to prove to scouts and general managers that he is every bit the real deal that we know he is.”

Brookins is using the Gators opportunity in order to transition from arena to full field. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer and current Gators wide receiver Paris Warren said, “Once you go arena, you never come back.”

While that’s not entirely true, Warren’s sentiment highlights the belief that the differences in field segment responsibility and defensive angles of attack make readjustment to a full field difficult. Relatively few players find it easy to transition.

The goal for Brookins is to quickly adjust in order to prepare for United Football League and Canadian Football League tryouts, as well as upcoming National Football League camps. He was invited to the Seattle Seahawks camp in 2009.

River City Gators Head Coach Charlie Ruiz said the addition of Brookins "Will definitely add a new dimension to our secondary. He's answering a season-long need at just the right time. He's got the speed and strength to handle whatever comes his way. He's been here before, so I'm sure he'll pick up right where he left off. He's the last piece of the puzzle to put us over the top."

River City Gators Co-Owner and NCFL Co-Founder Jason Kang said, "We’re excited about Merv’s return. He’s a part of the defense that we’ve been missing for quite a while. I’m glad he’s back, but I hope he doesn’t stay too long. We’re going to make the most of his availability, and we’re going to help him with his own development goals as well."

Mervin Brookins is set to arrive in Sacramento mere minutes from now. The plan is for him to head straight into meetings. He is scheduled for preliminary workouts and a full practice Friday evening. The Gators have him listed as active for this weekend. Brookins said the tight schedule "Is all business. We had a lot going on in Oklahoma, there's a lot going on right now, and I'm ready for all of it."

Shortly after getting off the plane, Brookins was asked about his thoughts and feelings about returning to Sacramento. He said, "It's great to see my mom. My baby girl is here. I'm going to see my cousin. It's awkward."

Indeed it is, but just as Brookins is glad to see his family, the Gators and their fans are very glad to see him. Kang added, "This is great for the league. It’s always great to get pro players into our system. I’ve been told that a few players from the Pacifica Islanders are heading to the CFL in the next few days. This is a competitive league. Having a dangerous defender and return man like Merv only makes it better."

Ruiz was quick to remind everyone around him, "We're playing to win a championship. Adding a player with pro experience is always a big plus. Merv has a lot of versatility. He's what we need at corner, and he'll be a strong addition to the return game and special teams."

Brookins is rumored to be in talks with several teams including the AIFA's San Jose Wolves. Wolves General Manager and Head Coach Bennie King was unable to return telephone calls before press time. He and his team are currently on their way to Washington to play the Wenatchee Valley Venom.

A source close to the team says Brookins and King will meet privately on Monday, and a deal is likely to be reached that night. That would place Brookins on the Wolves practice field as early as Tuesday, and make him eligible to play at the Cow Palace on Saturday, June 12 versus the Yakima Valley Warriors.

Brookins' agent, Chris Johnson, is also in contact with the UFL's Sacramento Mountain Lions and several CFL teams regarding potential free agent deals.

The NCFL is the nation's premier minor league football conference. With players having moved on to the AFL and AIFA, and others attending NFL and UFL camps in the past, the league is highly competitive. In fact, the league's top two teams, the Northbay Rattlers and the Pacifica Islanders, placed first and second at the 2009 minor league national championships in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Gators next game is Saturday, June 5, on the road versus the defending NCFL and 2009 MLFN National Champion Northbay Rattlers. Kickoff is scheduled for 6pm in Santa Rosa. The next home game is June 12 versus the Contra Costa Razorbacks. Time and location for that game remains to be decided. To learn more about the River City Gators, please visit their website.

Author's Note : I am am official photographer for the River City Gators.

Gators Obliterate Outlaws 48-6

2010-05-27T11:16:05Z

The River City Gators, Sacramento's minor league football team, faced the East Bay Outlaws in Oakley on Saturday. Despite missing a number of key players due to injury, and resting several others, the Gators defeated the Outlaws 48-6. With the win, the Gators improved their record to 7-1 and clinched their division. With a bye week under way, the Gators are set to return to action on June 5 on the road in Santa Rosa versus the 2009 minor league national champion Northbay Rattlers.

A steady wind and intermittent rain throughout the East Bay presented a number of challenges on Saturday. Injuries to starting quarterback Blake Mori and wide receiver Kyle Providence reduced the number of offensive weapons as wide receivers Paris Warren and Wesley Williams were rested. Backup quarterback Robert Arthur played despite suffering a broken finger early in the first quarter. Passing game inefficiency was more than made up for by greatly improved rushing and stingy defense.

The only blemish on an otherwise productive outing was the continuation of assistant coaching errors, perhaps the most significant of which included a pair of 15-yard penalties and the ejection of Gators assistant coach and equipment manager Terry Johnson.

Johnson was first cited for unsportsmanlike conduct related to what officials perceived as an obscene gesture directed at them. Moments later, an angry Johnson said he would no longer comply with the officials’ requests for game balls. As soon as the first request was made, he simply dropped the ball on the turf and said, “Come and get it yourself.”

That resulted in another 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, and Johnson’s ejection. Although he later returned in defiance after the 2-minute warning in the fourth quarter, officials chose not to penalize the team further and simply allowed the clock to run out.

At one point, there were five flags on the field, each related to a different penalty.

Despite the sideline antics, the Gators won the day. They also won the division. Their next opponent will not be so easily defeated. The Gators last played the Northbay Rattlers in Santa Rosa during the 2009 playoffs. In that game, the departure of current Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz defensive back Mervin Brookins to the Arena-2 Stockton Lightning proved crucial as the Rattlers exploited the fill-in corner and won the game.

Though this year’s Gator squad is significantly better than last year’s, victory will require discipline both on the field and on the sidelines.

Images from Oakley tell the story best.

The River City Gators next game is June 5 in Santa Rosa versus the Northbay Rattlers. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30pm.

Author's Note: I am an official photographer for the River City Gators.

Gators Lose to Islanders

2010-05-20T12:10:38Z

On Saturday, the River City Gators lost to the Pacifica Islanders 26-21. The end of the Gators' winning streak came after many players participated in the UFL's open tryout for the Sacramento Mountain Lions. Despite leading 7-6 in the second quarter and 21-19 late in the game, the Gators defense was unable to stop the powerful Islanders offense.

Gators quarterback Blake Mori made several poor decisions that resulted in turnovers. His arm looked burned out from the Mountain Lions tryout. He barely threw warm-up passes before the game. During the game, he misread several defensive schemes and often failed to check his three and four receivers. Oftentimes during the game, it appeared as though Mori's footwork was off, resulting in poor snaps and exchanges from backup center Colbrun Mahan. Starting center Gabe Sorenson remains out with an injury.

Paris Warren never seemed to get in sync on offense and actually played free safety during part of the second half. Gators wide receiver Wesley Williams spent much of the game on the sidelines. Gators wide receiver Steve Dickinson was missing from action. It was later confirmed that he was released from the roster for unspecified reasons. Despite solid performances from wide receivers Cam'ron Mbewa and Kyle Providence, the Gators simply couldn't get the job done.

The Gators often came out of the huddle in no back sets. The lack of a running game underscored the offensive line's inability to control the line of scrimmage and create holes. Quarterback scurries, hurries, sacks and pocket pressure further confirmed that weakness. Even Gators kicker Morton Geivett had a bad night.

During a week where UFL tryout preparation resulted in a number of players not practicing, the effects were visible during the game. The Gators simply did not have their A game. The added fatigue from the UFL tryouts certainly was a factor. A breakdown in morale among coaches and team administrative personnel exacerbated the negativity on the sidelines. The early departure of the Gator Girls, managed by Cheer Sacramento, with 12:24 remaining in the second quarter, when the score was 7-6 favoring the Gators, seemed to alter the vocal expression of support from the warning track and the stands. With a record crowd on hand, such a breakdown in both on- and off-field practices defied comprehension.

Despite all of that, the Gators had several opportunities to win the game. On more than one occasion, the offense had the opportunity to score valuable pull-away points that would have kept them in front. Despite weakness in the secondary, the pass rush of the Gators defensive line was enough to keep the game within reach all the way to the two minute warning. Asked what happened, wide receiver Kyle Providence only said, "Guys don't show up for practice, this is what happens."

From the perspective of experienced media, having studied the game at a high level for the past two decades, it is clear that while Kyle Providence is correct, there's more to it. There's an old saying: You get out what you put in. This applies to more than just players. Everyone in the River City Gators organization from top to bottom must commit themselves to playing full-out no matter what the circumstance. The measurable impact of breakdowns in leadership at any level will always show up on the scoreboard.

Gators co-owner Jason Kang said, "We clearly have many things to work on."

Indeed. Another member of the media said, "It's OK that they lost this game. It gets their heads out of the clouds, and they're still on top of their division."

This is true. It is often said that one of the most difficult things to do in sports is beat the same great team twice. The Gators may very well face the Islanders again in the playoffs. If that opportunity comes, and if they want to win, then the many things they have to work on better be worked out.

Quarterback Blake Mori - looking tired

Wide receiver Paris Warren - wide open all day

Wide receiver Paris Warren - unable to pull down a high pass

Wide receiver Paris Warren - less than pleased

Wide receiver Cam'ron Mbewa - unable to pull in a high pass

Defensive back Brandon Coleman - turned around and unable to stop the TD

Defensive back Art Acosta - returns an interception for a touchdown

Wide receiver Kyle Providence - making the catch

Wide receiver Byron Wallace - unable to pull down the high pass

Kicker Morton Geivett - blocked

Quarterback Robert Arthur - reaching for the endzone

Quarterback Blake Mori - unable to escape the pressure

Wide Receiver Cam'ron Mbewa - protecting the ball

Quarterback Blake Mori - throwing into an empty seam

Kicker Morton Geivett - blocked

Paris Warren - playing defense

Linebacker Datay Pongyan - roughing the passer

Linebacker LaMont Providence - fatigued and dissatisfied

Assistant Coach and Manager Terry Johnson - resigned and by himself on the sideline

Wide receiver Wesley Willams, Defensive back Keenan Fields, and others - sensing the loss in the final minute

The River City Gators play the East Bay Outlaws on the road this Saturday in Oakley. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.

Authors Note : I am also an official team photographer for the River City Gators

Gators Trounce Trojans 49-14

2010-05-10T10:24:11Z

West Sacramento, CA – On Saturday night, the River City Gators extended their winning streak to 6-0 by defeating the Stockton Trojans 49-14 at River City Stadium. The Gators gained 454 yards of offense and scored seven touchdowns on 52 plays. Quarterback Blake Mori completed 14 of 21 pass attempts for 286 yards and 5 touchdowns. Quarterback Robert Arthur completed 3 of 8 pass attempts for an additional 67 yards.

The Gators spread the ball around. Paris Warren caught 6 passes for 116 yards and one touchdown. Cam’ron Mbewa caught 5 passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Kyle Providence caught 4 passes for 83 yards and one touchdown. Byron Wallace caught one pass for 21 yards and one touchdown, and Steve Dickinson caught one pass for 33 yards.

The balanced attack also featured five different rushers. Blake Mori carried 6 times for 27 yards and one touchdown. Robert Arthur carried 8 times for 38 yards. Michael Knowlton carried 4 times for 27 yards. Kyle Providence carried once for 9 yards and one touchdown, and Eric Bailey carried 4 times for 0 yards.

All together, the Gators passed 17-29 for 353 yards and 5 touchdowns, and recorded 23 carries for 101 yards and two touchdowns. Special teams and defense generated significant additional yardage, though statistics were unavailable on Sunday.

Despite all of that, the Gators are projected underdogs for their home game on May 15th versus the Pacifica Islanders. Despite coming off a 55-0 shutout, the Islanders are 5-1, their lone loss being a defensive battle against Santa Rosa’s Northbay Rattlers. Gators Co-Owner Jason Kang says, “Gotta love being an underdog. Already picked to be nearly a two touchdown underdog on our own home field? I’m fired up and motivated.” Surely all of the players are motivated too.

Defensive tackle Rayford Green says, “Our motto is ‘Failure is not an Option’ so let’s get it!” With the UFL Sacramento Mountain Lions tryout set to take place on Saturday as well, both teams will be fired up. Tryouts run from 9am-12pm at Natomas High School. Registration begins at 7:30am. Over a dozen Gators players have registered and NCFL sources say a similar level of trout participation is expected from the Islanders. That said, Kang says that “even though player fatigue may be a factor, it should equally affect both teams.”

Images from the Gators vs. Trojans game provide a glimpse of what’s in store for fans this weekend.

Paris Warren in the open field.

Paris Warren in heavy traffic.

Cam'ron Mbewa takes out defenders pursuing Paris Warren.

Kyle Prividence eyes the endzone.

A Trojan defender is no match for Paris Warren.

Cam'ron Mbewa fights for a first down.

Paris Warren eyes his first TD as a Gator.

Paris Warren's first Gator TD.

Paris Warren and Byron Wallace celebrate.

A delighted Paris Warren after the score.

Carl Watson coming in from the outside.

LaMont Providence reading the formation.

Morton Geivett adds the extra point.

Wesley Williams debut in a Gator uniform.

Rayford Green and Kyle Providence.

Rayford Green and Paris Warren.

Wesley Williams.

Paris Warren.

The Gators vs. Islanders game is Saturday May15th. Kickoff is scheduled for 6pm at River City Stadium in West Sacramento. For more information, visit the River City Gators website.

Interview: Paris Warren Talks About Football

2010-05-10T07:05:37Z

West Sacramento, CA – Paris Warren held a brief press conference Friday afternoon alongside River City Gators Head Coach Charlie Ruiz and the Gators owners group regarding his decision to return to Sacramento and to sign with the Gators. After the conference, he sat down for an exclusive Sacramento Press interview.

SP: When did you return to Sacramento, and what have you been doing since your return?

PW: I came back to Sac in early December 2009. I’ve been training ever since. Been playing lots of basketball, trying to get into basketball shape; football shape is easy.

SP: Basketball, are you a Kings fan?

PW: Of course I’m a Kings fan, I’m from Sac. I’m looking forward to going to games next season.

SP: There’s a UFL tryout at Natomas High School on the 15th, are you going?

PW: I used to play in the UFL with the Florida Tuskers. I played for Jim Haslett and Jay Gruden. My agent, Derrick Fox, who also represents Steve Smith of the Carolina Panthers, is doing the talking. If it all works out, I’ll play for Dennis Green and be a Mountain Lion.

SP: What’s the UFL like, and what can we expect at the tryouts?

PW: The UFL is definitely competitive. There’ll be lots of guys showing up. Overall, the UFL might be a half step slower than the NFL, but a lot of guys are from the NFL and can keep up with anyone, they just didn’t make the 53 man roster.

SP: You got injured a while back.

PW: Man that was way back in 2007. It’s done already; full recovery.

SP: What do you like about the River City Gators?

PW: I have some friends on the team. I saw a few games last year. They’re good. This is a fine tuning opportunity for me. I’m planning on playing at the next level in the fall. Any time you play 11-man football, you can develop yourself. It’s better than arena. You never make it back from that.

SP: You spent several years in the NFL, what is that like?

PW: Fast. I was there for a while. I’m pension eligible and an NFLPA member for life. I was with Tampa Bay for a few years, Dallas, New Orleans, All good places.

SP: You went to the University of Oregon, and then transferred to Utah, what happened there?

PW: That’s right. I was recruited to Oregon by Chris Petersen. He’s at Boise State now. When I got there, Mike Bellotti was the coach. I guess we didn’t get along well. We used to have these meetings and he’d tell me he was going to play me. 6-7 weeks later, nothing; I was better than that, so I left.

SP: You think Bellotti will coach again?

PW: I think so. He’s got a lot left. There’s a lot going on in the background.

SP: Some people are saying the Arizona State job might open up if next season isn’t successful.

PW: If he ended up there, I wouldn’t be surprised.

SP: So you left Oregon, you sat out for a year, then what?

PW: I went to Utah and played for the best coach in College Football – Urban Meyer. He’s at Florida now, but when he was at Utah, we were the best. I was All Mountain West, 1st and 2d team, one of the Fiesta Bowl MVPs, I did alright. I always liked Oregon though, and Chip Kelly can get them there.

SP: You mean a national championship?

PW: It’s all about the championship. Why else do you play? I’m here to win games. Those guys are there to win games.

SP: Speaking of winning, you’ve been in some video games.

PW: That’s right, Madden, NCAA, I’ve played myself in college and pro games.

SP: Who’s better, you or virtual you?

PW: Me! The real me! Madden underrated me a bit. I didn’t really like that. I’m better. No need for superpowers. I don’t cheat.

SP: Do your friends and family know what you’re up to here?

PW: Word’s getting around, so we’ll see.

SP: Any final thoughts?

PW: Come check us out. I can only add to what they’re already doing – taking care of business. So now we’re undefeated, and I’m going to do my part to keep it that way.

River City Gators Wide Receiver Paris Warren.

River City Gators Head Coach Charlie Ruiz with Wide Receiver Paris Warren.

River City Gators Co-Owner Frankie Machado; Head Coach Charlie Ruiz; Wide Receiver Paris Warren; Co-Owner Richard Donn; and Co-Owner Jason Kang.

Paris Warren's Gator debut was Saturday night at River City Stadium. He had 6 receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown.

To learn more about the River City Gators, check out their website by clicking here. The next home game is May 15th versus the Pacifica Islanders. Kickoff is scheduled for 6pm.

Former NFL Wide Receiver Paris Warren Joins River City Gators

2010-05-07T04:50:05Z

West Sacramento, CA - The River City Gators announced the signing of Sacramento native, and former NFL wide receiver, Paris Warren today. The actual signing took place on the Gators' practice field Wednesday night at 8:30pm. Warren was drafted in the seventh round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2005, and remained with the team until 2008. Thereafter he spent time with the Dallas Cowboys (2008), again with Tampa Bay (2009), and the New Orleans Saints (2009). He also played for the UFL's Orlando-based Florida Tuskers in 2009.

Prior to his professional career, Paris Warren attended for the University of Oregon, where, as a freshman, he played football for the Ducks. In accordance with NCAA rules, he sat out the 2002 season after transferring to the University of Utah. As a member of the Utes, Warren was named first team All-MWC in 2003, second team All-MWC in 2004, and he was named Offensive Co-MVP of the 2005 BCS Fiesta Bowl. Warren finished that night with a Fiesta Bowl-record 15 receptions and 198 yards. He also holds the University of Utah single-season reception record, logging 80 receptions during the 2004-05 season.

River City Gators Head Coach, Charlie Ruiz says the addition of Paris Warren "is really going to raise the level of motivation since he's coming from the pro leagues. That someone of his caliber and talent is motivated to play at this level is really excites for me as well. I mean if you're an offensive lineman, how do you not weant to block for this guy?" On the topic of the team, Ruiz says, "we're going to have to make some moves and make some room, but I think the team is going to embrace it and move forward. Hopefully they appreciate that we're constantly trying to better the team."

River City Gators Co-Owner, and NCFL Co-Founder, Jason Kang, says "[the addition of Paris Warren] is going to raise the level of play from all of our players. They'll be working with a guy who's been there and done that. They'll have a chance to pick his brain. They'll have a chance to develop beyond camps and tryouts. This is good for us all the way around." In terms of the NCFL, "to get a player with recent NFL experience and high caliber status adds to the legitimacy of what we're here to do: to cultivate and develop players, and to provide a professional environment for them to play in. We believe that if you have a player like Paris Warren come to this league, than perhaps others like him will follow. So hopefully this will begin to open some of those doors."

Paris Warren was unavailable for comment today. An interview is planned for Friday, and both Charlie Ruiz and Jason Kang have indicated that he will be available to the media after the game versus the Stockton Trojans on Saturday night.

The Gators next game is Saturday, May 8th, at River City Stadium in West Sacramento. Kickoff is scheduled for 6pm. The Gators have announced a special offer exclusively available through Sacramento Press. A "50% Off" coupon is included below. Just print it out and bring it to the game for half off the price of admission. To learn more about the River City Gators, please visit their website.

Former SDSU Aztecs Wide Receiver Wesley Williams Joins River City Gators

2010-05-07T04:48:40Z

West Sacramento, CA - The River City Gators announced the signing former California State University - San Diego wide receiver, Wesley Williams today. The signing officially took place on Wednesday night at 8:30pm on the Gators' practice field. Born in Sacramento, Williams grew up in Fairfield, played at San Joaquin Delta College, before initially choosing to attend Purdue University. Circumstances caused him to sign on and play for the San Diego State Aztecs; however, sources say he was recruited by the University of Louisville (Kentucky), the University of Colorado, and Auburn (Alabama).

River City Gators Head Coach, Charlie Ruiz says, "From a position standpoint, Williams solidifies the receiving corps and takes it to an unmatched level. He’s a class act, and he’s easy to deal with. He’ll fit in with the majority of the core of our team, and he’s anxious to get on the field. We’re anxious too!" Furthermore, Ruiz says, "He’s 6’4” and 225 lbs, wait until you see him! He had a free agent tryout with the San Diego Chargers a couple of years ago, and he also spent one summer working the camp of the San Francisco 49ers. He was interested in playing for the Gators last year, but the rosters were locked."

River City Gators Co-Owner, and NCFL Co-Founder, Jason Kang, says "Wes is a nice guy. He’s respectful. He’s everything you want in a football player. He’s going to be a great addition to this team both on and off the field. Adding him to the group including Paris [Warren], Camron [Mbewa], Kyle Providence, and Steve Dickinson, we’ve got the best wide receiver corps in the league, and likely in all of minor league football. You’d be hard pressed to find another unit this deep. " In terms of the NCFL, "this means more legitimate players are coming through our doors. We’re moving away from weekend warriors and recreational players. We’re developing into a springboard for people who are committed to developing themselves. Players like Wes live, breathe, and die for football. That’s the kind of commitment we want.."

Gators Gag Lawmen

2010-05-03T23:44:02Z

On Saturday, May 1st, the River City Gators extended their winning treat to 5-0 by defeating Oakland's Nor Cal Lawmen 30-7 on the road. The game was played in what can perhaps most simply be described as a hostile environment. "It's difficult enough being on the road," one player said, as heckles from the crowd turned into personal attacks. NCFL Chairman Jason Kang expressed unhappiness with the lack of crowd control and security.

Let's get a few things straight. The central part of Oakland, off Broadway and near Oakland Technical High School, is an area I would prefer not to travel through alone at night. I arrived on scene at 12:30pm and had a number of wonderful interactions with young people and adult members of the community. Come 6pm, however, the scene changed. a pack of hostile hecklers issuing threats and slurs said they were intoxicated. One even said he was armed. They claimed a public right to gather on the Oakland Tech campus. While I beg to differ with that opinion legally, I have another sense of the entire scene. It was ugly.

Those fans shaking and rattling the fences demonstrated complete lack of respect for the sanctity of the educational environment where people in that relatively underprivileged neighborhood work hard every day to develop themselves in order to have a chance to rise above the violence and poverty that surrounds them. If you wouldn't do that in your churches (synagogues, temples, mosques, etc) than why would you ever think that type of conduct is acceptable at a school? Sadly, these are not logical people. The only thing they respond to is police force. Unfortunately, the word on the field was that calls for law enforcement support were met with notice of de-prioritized delay that would not have removed troublemakers likely until after the game was over.

Despite the hostility, despite the sound of sirens every few minutes, and despite the sound of engine backfires that the untrained ear might mistake for gunshots, the Gators remained focused and took care of business. A 30-7 victory in such hostile territory is nothing to complain about. A win is a win, and the Gators remain undefeated for yet another week.

There are few images from this game. Admittedly, discontent with crowd conditions raised a safety concern that caused a complete media departure after the first quarter. The Gators return home to their family-friendly and ultra-safe River City facilities in West Sacramento this weekend to play the Stockton Trojans. Not enough can be said to distinguish the two environments. The NCFL is committed to creating a safe and family-friendly environment. The events in Oakland this past Saturday have, and will continue to be addressed by the league. Rule changes are imminent.

Images from the game tell the story.

LaMont Providence and Camron Mbewa.

Camron Mbewa.

Gatoes star wide receiver Kyle Providence.

McRuben Fleurinord has great hands for a big tight end.

Ken Lloyd.

Blake Mori makes good form look easy.

Blake Mori looks downfield.

Kyle Providence and Steve Dickinson celebrate after the first Gator TD.

Refusing to buy tickets, threatening violence, claiming to be drunk, and yelling profanity and racial slurs, area residents selfishly dampen moods and drive fans away from the venue.

As for the Gators home game this weekend, kickoff is currently scheduled for 6pm. There will be no early departure for media attending the game on May 8th. Please see the River City Gators website for further detail.

River City Gators Maul Marin Bulldogs

2010-04-27T07:53:48Z

On Saturday, April 24th, the River City Gators extended their winning streak to 4-0 by defeating the Marin Bulldogs 59-19 on the road in Marin. The Gators overcame a slow start after what was a relatively light week of practice. The game featured the return of Gators star wide receiver, #11 Kyle Providence, who missed the previous game due to UFL tryouts for the Las Vegas Locomotives. Gators quarterback, and former California State University - Sacramento player, #14 Blake Mori, split time with fellow quarterback, #18 Robert Arthur. While both seemed to struggle at times, the two-headed monster proved unstoppable.

It has long been said that a quarterback is only as good as the wide receivers he throws to. The 1-2 punch of #11 Kyle Providence, and #9 Camron Mbewa - also a former CSUS player - are as good as it gets in minor league play. In addition to those two, #15 Steve Dickinson, #82 Byron Wallace, #5 Terrell Crawford, and #2 Robbie Longan - a one-time NFL prospect - solidify the Gators receiving corps. To say the Gators are deep at wideout is an understatement.

Of course, the Gators talent pool is deep at all positions. An examination of the running backs, secondary, and both the offensive and defensive lines reveals considerable size, talent, and ability. Indeed, football is a team sport. The Gators continue to show signs of improved teamwork every week. The speed and precision of game management is always improving. To steal a line out of University of Oregon Head Football Coach Chip Kelly's book, the Gators' goal is simple: Win The Day.

On this day, that goal was decisively achieved. Images from the game tell the story best.

The Gators next game is May 1st, on the road versus the Nor Cal Lawmen. The UFL's Sacramento Mountain Lions is scheduled for May 15th at Natomas High School. Kyle Providence and several other NCFL players will be there as well.